Interview: Ryotaro Kato (Ceramic Artist)
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We share a variety of information and perspectives on Japanese crafts, including exhibition information and interviews.
VOICE VOL.7
KOGEI & Me VOL.32
KOGEI Topics VOL.16
Featured Exhibitions & Events VOL.41
Dec 12 – Dec 25, 2024
Seiko House Hall
Dec 17, 2024 – Feb 24, 2025
National Crafts Museum
Dec 18 – Dec 24, 2024
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi
Dec 21 – Dec 29, 2024
essence kyoto
Mr. Kanda was born in Tokyo and his interest in manufacturing was naturally developed through the influence of his father who ran a press factory. Even as a high school student he had already decided that he wanted to be involved in the product development of wooden manufacturer. Mr. Kanda says that when he thinks about the future, he wants to connect with society through manufacturing. After graduating, he studied industrial design and gained experiences in the repairing and reupholstery of antique furniture. In 2009 he joined Hida Sangyo in Gifu Prefecture. At first, he was in charge of the manufacturing of custom-made order, and subsequently, he moved to the development division which was what he had wanted to do all along. Currently, Mr. Kanda is engaged in the prototyping and development of new products. He is also involved in the development of furniture using compressed Japanese cedar, which is a special technique of the company. In the development division, there are few opportunities to talk with the customers directly, so the imagination is essential. Mr. Kanda said, “We are doing our best everyday”. He constantly thinks about what type of furniture does society need. “Everyone is putting in 120 percent of effort but is there another one percent that he could add to it”, wonders Mr. Kanda. There is passion for manufacturing in his words.